The very best part of serving as alumni director for the University of Idaho is the opportunity – and honor – to meet and hear the stories of my fellow Vandals. This past week, with the Latah County Silver and Gold Award Celebration, Golden I reunion and Moms’ Weekend, was full of amazing stories about the impact our alma mater has had on the lives of its alumni.
Take the story of Ramesh Kumar, for example. Dr. Kumar ‘82 received the U of I Alumni Association’s Silver and Gold Award last Thursday to honor his professional achievements as a chemist at 3M Company in Minnesota.
He arrived in Moscow the summer of 1978 to pursue his Ph.D. in fluorine chemistry in the lab of U of I Distinguished Professor and internationally known chemist Jean’ne Shreeve. He had used the $7 in cash he had with him for life necessities, and then found out he needed to buy a calculator. It cost $25. Dr. Shreeve footed the bill, a kindness that Kumar has not forgotten. He credits her with teaching him the value of hard work, of diversity of backgrounds and ideas, and of self-reliance.
Another Silver and Gold Award recipient, Eric Roberts ‘05, shared his story about how the kind guidance of architecture faculty member Bruce Haglund changed his life and led to the success he enjoys today as a leading architect in Las Vegas. He was accepted to the university, but not into the architecture program, but was told he certainly could talk to someone about getting into the program.
Roberts and his wife, Cathy, piled into their Kia Sephia with his portfolio in hand and drove through the night from Salt Lake City to Moscow. It was June and campus was empty, but then-architecture department Chair Haglund was in his office and took the time to visit with the aspiring architect.
Roberts didn’t leave that meeting with “a Golden Ticket from Willy Wonka.” Earning acceptance into the architecture program would take a lot of hard work. But, he said, he did leave with hope and a concrete plan to fulfill his dream.
Then there were the stories of the Golden I reunion attendees, those who graduated 50-plus years ago. Members of the Class of 1969 – including many members of the Delta Sigma Phi pledge class of 1965 – each shared the memories that will forever tie them to this university: a special professor, a makeshift cannon fired at football games, the opportunity to become a military officer and many more.
Each tale is different, and yet, there is a common theme that runs through them all. Every Vandal has that special person, group, event or place at the university that helped transform their life, and that is a story worth repeating. We want to hear about your U of I story. Tell us about the moment, person or activity that was integral to your college experience, and let us know if we may share it with the Vandal family.
Send memories to vandalvibe@uidaho.edu.
Go Vandals! 
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
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19th University of Idaho President Introduced April 11
The Idaho State Board of Education will meet at 10 a.m. Pacific time on April 11 via conference call, initiated by board member Don Soltman in the Gary Michael Boardroom of the Albertson Building at the University of Idaho, Moscow. This meeting is to consider a contract and hire the next U of I president. It is an open meeting. Remote access is available by calling 877-820-7829, participant code: 9096313.
Introduction of the University of Idaho’s 19th president
10:30 a.m. Pacific time
Administration Building Auditorium, University of Idaho, Moscow
Live Stream >>
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Upcoming Alumni Events
April 11 – Wood River Policy Pub: The Future of Food, Ketchum, ID
April 11 – College of Science Alumni Reception, Boise, ID
April 12 – Theta Chi 60 Year Reunion, Moscow, ID
April 19 – Silver and Gold Spring Football Game, Moscow, ID
April 20 – Alumni and Friends Easter Egg Hunt, Moscow, ID
April 25 – Vandal Night at Moss Greenhouse, Twin Falls, ID
April 26 – Sigma Alpha Epsilon Centennial Reunion, Moscow, ID
May 2 – Commencement, Idaho Falls, ID
May 6 – Commencement, Coeur d'Alene, ID
May 11 – Commencement, Moscow, ID
May 14 – Commencement, Boise, ID
View more events on the alumni calendar.
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Landscape Architecture Students, Researchers Help Idaho’s Magic Valley Remain Resilient
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In a changing world, U of I has a hand in sustaining the state’s resources by designing landscape and site-scale models.
It’s not hard for Kathryn Frostenson to imagine her hometown of Jerome — part of Idaho’s agricultural epicenter — in the throngs of some pretty hefty changes between now and 2050.
Learn More >>
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Alumni Volunteer Spotlight
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Catie Freeman
UIAA Treasurer | Director - West Idaho Region/Ada County
B.A. English '09, J.D. law '13
We caught up with Alumni Association directors and asked them a few short and sweet questions about their Vandal experience.
1. What was your favorite or most rewarding class?
A. My most rewarding class was Jazz Choir I with Dan Bukvich. Though it wasn't a class I needed for my major, Dan taught me so much about how to be a passionate professional.
2. How did U of I prepare you for your career?
A.U of I gave me the tools to succeed in my career, bit it also made me excited about my career path. It's where my passion for my career began.
3. Why did you choose to serve the Alumni Association?
A. As a young alumna, I don't always have the ability to donate money like I'd like to. Instead I've chosen to donate my time to help make our university the best it can be.
4. What faculty or staff member was integral to your time here?
A. Dan Bukvich - hands down. He has influenced my life immensely because he taught me things like "If you can't get out of it, get into it."
5. Share a treasured memory as a student.
A. One of my favorite memories is in jazz choir, singing with 1,000 other voices every year at the holiday concert.
Thanks, Catie!
The UIAA Board of Directors is an elected body that governs the UIAA, Inc. and meets formally three times a year. Duties of directors include managing corporate affairs, business and assets of the association and advocating for the U of I.
Learn More >>
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4th Annual Vandal Raft Day
Join 99 other Vandals and their families for a day on the water. July is one of the best times to enjoy the water, take in the beauty of Idaho and connect with other Vandals from around the state. Registration is capped at 100 people, don't wait to RSVP.
Go Rafting>>
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Benefits and Services Highlight:
Book Club
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New Book Announcement
Once Upon a River
On a dark midwinter’s night in an ancient inn on the river Thames, an extraordinary event takes place. The regulars are telling stories to while away the dark hours, when the door bursts open on a grievously wounded stranger. In his arms is the lifeless body of a small child. Hours later, the girl stirs, takes a breath and returns to life. Is it a miracle? Is it magic? Or can science provide an explanation? These questions have many answers, some of them quite dark indeed.
Read This Book >>
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Looking for a new career? Need help revising your resume? Alumni of the University of Idaho have lifetime access to the U of I Office of Career Services. Wherever you are in your career, we are here for you. Check out these job opportunities:
VandalStar Coordinator | Moscow, ID
Learn More >>
Optical Engineer | Nightforce Optics, Orofino, ID
Learn More >>
School Principal/Special Programs Director | North Gem School District, Bancroft, ID
Learn More >>
Looking for jobs at U of I? Visit the U of I job board >> |
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Joe Knows...
Idaho Governor Brad Little: Give young people reasons to stay
The Lewiston Tribune- April 8, 2019
Learn More >>
Idaho's postsecondary completion rate improves, slightly
Idaho Education News- April 8, 2019
Learn More >>
Investors' widely-held beliefs about ETFs and index funds may be wrong
MarketWatch - April 3 2019
Learn More >>
African elephants are evolving without tusks because of poaching
CBS News - March 27, 2019
Learn More >>
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Alumni chapters nationwide await more Vandal grads.
To join, simply contact a chapter volunteer.
Find One Near You >>
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